More than 3,500 students will officially become UNLV alumni this week after they cross the stage during UNLV's spring commencement. They are future changemakers for society, and on a mission to help make the community around them a better place for all of us. Here's how UNLV helped launch them in their new careers.
Rachel Rubio, Master of Social Work, Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
Sometimes, it’s the people we meet along the journey that make all the difference. For Rachel Rubio, a trio of social work faculty — Natasha Mosby, Ivet Aldaba, and Kathleen Bergquist — kept inspiring her through their passion for serving the community and experience overcoming the challenges of academia.
“Not to mention they are three badass women of color, leaders, and mentors. I have always felt I can relate to them and have always felt comfortable asking for guidance or advice. I truly hope to someday be even a fraction as amazing as them.”
So it’s no surprise that her biggest piece of advice for students is to get to know your professors, instructors, and cohort. “I can't stress enough how important it is to establish relationships with these individuals because they will be a great resource to you during and after your program.”
Kishayla Lessier, Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
Kishayla knew that psychology was the field for her when she worked with youth at her sister's nonprofit and saw the impact of mental health. With her new degree, she’s ready to change people's lives and provide them with the tools and support that they need to thrive.
One of her favorite memories at UNLV was during a welcome event. “We all sat down in the grass by the Student Union, and we were all telling stories and giving advice. It was a bunch of random people on a beautiful day, and I loved that feeling.”
Speaking of advice…Kishayla’s best tip for students is to take advantage of financial aid. “Being a first-generation student, it was overwhelming to figure out where to find financial aid. Our school does a good job of sending out scholarships, but it’s important to do what you can to know more about them.”
Antonella Choi, Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
First-generation student Antonella Choi benefited immensely from working with mentors during her time in college. So much so that she became a peer mentor herself as a way of giving back.
“My most memorable experience as a student at UNLV was having an on-campus job during my first and second years. Working for the dean’s office in the College of Liberal Arts helped me network with the faculty of COLA, practice my social and communication skills, create new exciting projects, and allowed me to grow as a student overall.”
After graduation, she plans to pursue her career with a local, state, or federal agency to combat human trafficking.
Nour Benjelloun, Philosophy (Law and Justice), College of Liberal Arts
This won’t be the last you’ll hear from Nour (in more ways than one). At 19, he’s one of the youngest commencement speakers in UNLV history. During his time on campus, Nour has been involved in almost everything UNLV has to offer — greek life, student organizations, student government, housing, and working in the dean’s office — so he’s got a long list of stories to tell.
Planning to pursue a J.D. with a focus on immigration, Nour is ready for his next adventure in law and policy on the East Coast. But it won’t be the same as his experiences at UNLV. “My brother graduated from UNLV a decade ago and was student body president. I essentially grew up on this campus, and I've been extremely involved in several organizations.... I'll miss the campus, the community, and the place I've called home for so long.”
Franchesca Gabriel Siegfried, Special Education, College of Education
As Franchesca dons her cap and gown for graduation, she'll carry with her not only a B.S. in special education, but also cherished memories and lifelong friendships. She'll be working as a special education teacher at several elementary schools in Las Vegas and using her free time to finally sleep in.
Franchesca says the secret to a perfect UNLV experience is to “take it one step at a time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and always ask for help.”
Emily Huerta, Mathematics and Physics, College of Sciences
What’s next for Emily? After she graduates with degrees in both mathematics and physics, she’s planning to get a master’s in higher education. Though she originally set out to get a Ph.D. in astrophysics, the experiences she had at UNLV made her realize that she was passionate about the university environment. She was a president of the UNLV Scientista Foundation and involved with the office of undergraduate research.
As she gets ready to graduate, she’s thought about what she would have told herself when she started college: “You’re normal. You’re not as weird as you think. Leaving high school, I felt so insecure and unsure. A lot of it comes with time, and as you get older, you start to learn that about yourself. If I could go back and tell myself that at 18, it would have meant a lot. And you’ll find people who love the same things you do.”
Dainera Ekhanem-Browen, Criminal Justice, Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
Criminal justice graduate Dainera is a pro at advocating for others, thanks to her experience in the Resident Hall Association where she gave a voice to student housing residents. As she sets her sights on a career in federal courts, she'll continue to give a voice to those who need it most. Looking back on her time at UNLV, Dainera reflects, "Something I wish I knew when I started is that there are different organizations on campus and that there is a community for me. I don't have to keep to myself.”
With a passion for criminal justice sparked by her mock trial class professor Jason Mitchell, she's more determined than ever to make a difference in the justice system — after taking a well-earned break to travel with friends this summer, of course!
